Accommodations are alterations in the way tasks are presented that allow children with learning disabilities to complete the same assignments as other students. Accommodations do not alter the content of assignments, give students an unfair advantage or in the case of assessments, change what a test measures. They do make it possible for students with LD to show what they know without being impeded by their disability.
The Need for Modifications and Accommodations
Go into any inclusive classroom in any school district and you will find students with special needs struggling to understand and apply the required learning objectives and outcomes. Even with the legal mandates of IDEA 2004 and the student's IEP, teachers are daunted by the task of IEP expectations, when it comes to lesson modifications and accommodations.
How To Tips on Effective Lesson Modifications and Accommodations
Make sure that the learning objectives are clear and easy to read and understand
Provide written individual instructional guides if needed to insure that students stay focused and on task
Provide clear expectations for Instructional assistants orother staff to guide students through the lesson
Create kinesthetic practice opportunities for hands on manipulations and performancebased assessments
Provide visual aids if needed to accompany the lesson objectives
Create classroom transitions that provide students with before and after warning reminders during activity or lesson changes
Read the student's IEP to make sure that the proper and expected lesson modifications and accommodations are being implemented in the classroom
Include student interest in lesson changes to create accessible and fun lessons
Scaffold the instruction by using creating smaller chunks of information for understanding and processing of the learning objectives
Provide practice opportunities for students to understand the lesson expectations
Model what you teach with clear, concise steps and processing
Incorporate assistive technology in your lesson planning when indicated by student's IEP or learning need
Provide celebrations and reinforcement incentives for positive and constructive behavior in the classroom
Create lesson assessments that are doable and provide increased challenges as the student masters the expected outcome
Modifications and AccommodationsWhat are accommodations?
Accommodations are alterations in the way tasks are presented that allow children with learning disabilities to complete the same assignments as other students. Accommodations do not alter the content of assignments, give students an unfair advantage or in the case of assessments, change what a test measures. They do make it possible for students with LD to show what they know without being impeded by their disability.The Need for Modifications and Accommodations
Go into any inclusive classroom in any school district and you will find students with special needs struggling to understand and apply the required learning objectives and outcomes. Even with the legal mandates of IDEA 2004 and the student's IEP, teachers are daunted by the task of IEP expectations, when it comes to lesson modifications and accommodations.How To Tips on Effective Lesson Modifications and Accommodations
Make sure that the learning objectives are clear and easy to read and understand
Provide written individual instructional guides if needed to insure that students stay focused and on task
Provide clear expectations for Instructional assistants orother staff to guide students through the lesson
Create kinesthetic practice opportunities for hands on manipulations and performancebased assessments
Provide visual aids if needed to accompany the lesson objectives
Create classroom transitions that provide students with before and after warning reminders during activity or lesson changes
Read the student's IEP to make sure that the proper and expected lesson modifications and accommodations are being implemented in the classroom
Include student interest in lesson changes to create accessible and fun lessons
Scaffold the instruction by using creating smaller chunks of information for understanding and processing of the learning objectives
Provide practice opportunities for students to understand the lesson expectations
Model what you teach with clear, concise steps and processing
Incorporate assistive technology in your lesson planning when indicated by student's IEP or learning need
Provide celebrations and reinforcement incentives for positive and constructive behavior in the classroom
Create lesson assessments that are doable and provide increased challenges as the student masters the expected outcome
Make lessons fun and teaching fun
Samples of Modifications